Eiseman Center proposes 2025–26 season, budget and a nonprofit fee-waiver pilot to expand community access

Allie, Eiseman Center staff, presented the center’s proposed 2025–26 “Eiseman Center Presents” season to the Richardson City Council, including programming priorities, a revenue and expense outlook and a planned nonprofit rental support program.

“Allie” (presentation lead) told council, “The Eiseman Center really aligns ourselves to the city council goal of having residents and all stakeholders choose Richardson as the best place to locate, contribute, and engage.” She described programming choices that favor performance excellence, local demographic relevance and artist-led community engagement such as school residencies, workshops and outreach beyond the theater.

Staff summarized the proposed revenue and expense figures for the season. The presentation listed proposed ticket sales of about $856,000; sponsorships and special-event revenue of roughly $110,000; and friends memberships of about $25,000, for a total proposed revenue near $992,549. On the expense side staff listed contractual and professional services of just over $630,000; equipment rentals of about $26,000; advertising, printing and postage of approximately $243,000; and food and artist provisions of about $86,000. Staff said the budget would net in the neighborhood of $381,000 (presentation phrasing was approximate).

Allie described initiatives tied to economic development and community access: a corporate event rental marketing strategy to better showcase venue capabilities with the adjacent Renaissance Hotel, and a nonprofit rental support program that standardizes fee waivers. Staff characterized the nonprofit program as a pilot, budgeting and considering roughly $30,000–$40,000 in fee waivers annually; the program is planned to start October 1 of the next fiscal year. Allie said the nonprofit support program is separate from cultural-arts grants but that staff would consider applicants’ other city funding when making decisions.

Staff also highlighted education and outreach metrics for the center: several artists completed week-long residencies this year, and staff said the center served more than 3,000 students through school shows and engagement activity over the past season. Programming adjustments for next season include a lighter fall schedule, expanded jazz programming in the cabaret space and additional authors and speakers.

Councilmembers responded with praise and questions about budgetary strategy and nonprofit support. Councilmember Dorian said, “Allie, you're doing such a great job,” and others praised the center’s partnerships and outreach to schools. Councilmember Anderson Bridal asked whether the nonprofit fee-waiver program would interact with hotel–motel-tax-funded cultural grants; Allie said the program would be separate from the grant program but that staff expected to consider grant awards when evaluating fee-waiver applications.

No council action or vote was recorded on the proposed budget or nonprofit pilot during the meeting; council feedback was supportive and staff indicated they would include further detail during the budget development process.